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FAIRFIELD, IOWA -- The 5th annual Dutch Oven Cook-Off will be held in Jefferson County Park Saturday, June 16, and this year, there will be more competitors than ever.

More than 20 groups have signed up to participate in the event that has grown each year. Teams can compete in one or all of the four categories -- dessert, a main course, which this year must include beef, bread and a mystery ingredient.

Dutch ovens have been around for centuries, and names like Lewis and Clark and Christopher Columbus used them on their voyages. Event organizers said people are always surprised at what you can cook with a Dutch oven.

"I really encourage people to come out with their families it's a lot of fun, it's a day of learning what great food can come out of a cast iron," said Therese Cummiskey, a naturalist on the Jefferson County Conservation Board. "It may even encourage you to try it yourself and we're hoping that there are some groups out there that might want to join us next year, but they're a little nervous about coming this year, they didn't know what to expect, so they can come out to the event, watch what's gong on and prepare themselves for next year.'

The event's sponsors will judge the food, but the public has a chance to taste test as well. Five dollars will buy you a mini spoon, which you can then take around to each competitor and sample up to 50 different dishes.

"So if you're the visiting public, you want to come on out... around 11 a.m. Saturday, you have to buy yourself a little spoon, and that fee goes to support the local chapter of Ducks Unlimited, then that spoon gives you permission to go around and taste test every dish during the day and you can taste test up to 40-50 dishes if you move fast enough!" Cummiskey said.

Cooks will register at 7 a.m. Saturday and cooking begins around 9:30. Judging will start at 11:15, and the public taste testing will start soon after.